Alex Honnold's climb of Taipei 101 skyscraper delayed by 24 hours
TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — Organizers are delaying professional rock climber Alex Honnold’s ropeless ascent of the Taipei 101 skyscraper for 24 hours due to weather. Netflix said Friday in announcing the delay that safety was their priority. Honnold’s free solo climb of the iconic building in Taiwan’s capital city was supposed to broadcast live on Netflix on Saturday local time, or Friday evening for viewers in the U.S. It will now air Saturday evening in the U.S. Fans in Taipei expressed understanding of the decision to postpone, saying Honnold's safety comes first. About 100 people had gathered to watch his attempt.
Spanish prosecutors drop sexual assault complaint against Julio Iglesias
MADRID (AP) — Spanish state prosecutors have shelved an investigation into sexual assault accusations against Julio Iglesias. They concluded that Spain’s National Court lacks jurisdiction over the matter. Earlier this month, prosecutors began examining allegations that Iglesias assaulted two former employees at his residences in the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas. Iglesias denied the accusations, calling them false and expressing sadness about them. An attorney for Iglesias did not immediately respond to a request for comment Friday. The 82-year-old has been among the most successful singers of the past five decades. He has sold over 300 million records and received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019.
Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga, K-pop and more: AP predicts who will win at the 2026 Grammys
Kendrick Lamar leads the 2026 Grammys nominee pack, but Lady Gaga, Bad Bunny and others are vying for their moment in the spotlight. But who will take home trophies on Sunday? Associated Press Music Writer Maria Sherman and Entertainment Writer Jonathan Landrum Jr. break down the close races for Grammy glory. They predict victories for Lamar, Lady Gaga, Rosé and Bruno Mars. They also expect close genre races across country, Latin and pop. The 68th Grammy Awards will be held Feb. 1 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles and air on CBS and stream on Paramount+.
Channing Tatum, Olivia Wilde and Charli xcx premiere movies at Sundance Film Festival
PARK CITY, Utah (AP) — The Sundance Film Festival is buzzing with excitement as Channing Tatum, Olivia Wilde, and Charli XCX movies premiere back-to-back at the Eccles Theater in Park City, Utah. Friday afternoon brought the premiere of “Josephine,” a drama by Beth De Araújo about an 8-year-old girl who witnesses a crime. Tatum and Gemma Chan play her parents. Next was Gregg Araki's “I Want Your Sex,” starring Cooper Hoffman and Olivia Wilde. It's a colorful, sexy story about a young man's life turned upside down by his provocative boss. Charli xcx also stars and has a double feature with her mockumentary “The Moment.”
King Charles III believes ‘harmony’ can help save the planet. His documentary explains how
LONDON (AP) — King Charles III has teamed up with Amazon Prime to make a film about his vision for saving the planet, 16 years after he wrote a book on the subject. The documentary delves into Charles’ concept of “harmony,” the idea that restoring the balance between the human and natural worlds is crucial to combatting global warming and many other major problems facing humanity. The king also confronts his critics, who have lampooned him as a dilettante flitting aimlessly from one cause to another with no rhyme or reason. “Finding Harmony: A King’s Vision,” will be available on Amazon from Feb. 6. The narrator is Kate Winslet.
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The trends at Paris Fashion Week are statement coats, even bigger shoulders and sharp tailoring
PARIS (AP) — At Paris men's fashion week, many designers are taking familiar silhouettes and making them perform. Familiar staples like denim, trench coats and workwear are updated to be more protective, performance-minded and built for real life, without losing the showmanship that defines Paris. At Dior Men, designer Jonathan Anderson bent classic codes into new proportions. At Louis Vuitton, Pharrell Williams framed luxury as practical convenience, upgrading heritage shapes with weatherproofing, reflectivity, reversibility and engineered comfort.
Renée Fleming cancels Kennedy Center appearances
NEW YORK (AP) — Renée Fleming is withdrawing from two May appearances at the Kennedy Center. This follows a wave of cancellations since President Trump ousted the previous leadership and announced the venue's renaming. Fleming was set to perform with conductor James Gaffigan and the National Symphony Orchestra. A year ago, she resigned as “Artistic Advisor at Large” due to leadership changes. The Kennedy Center cites “a scheduling conflict” for her withdrawal. Lin-Manuel Miranda, Bela Fleck, and Issa Rae have also canceled events. Trump has targeted the center in his attacks against “woke” culture.
Alex Honnold is climbing Taipei 101 with no ropes, live on TV. It's drawing excitement — and concern
TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — Alex Honnold plans to climb Taipei 101 in his signature free solo style without ropes or protective gear. Netflix will broadcast the event live. The announcement has sparked excitement and concern, especially since Honnold is now a married father of two. Known for his ropeless ascent of Yosemite's El Capitan, Honnold aims to push climbing limits worldwide. He won't be the first to climb the skyscraper, but he will be the first to do so without a rope. Safety measures are in place, but ethical concerns remain about broadcasting such a high-risk endeavor live.
Stars and the public say a final goodbye to fashion icon Valentino at a Rome funeral
ROME (AP) — Global fashion celebrities have joined the public in Rome to say a final goodbye to iconic designer Valentino. The Italian capital hosted his funeral service on Friday at the central Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri. The funeral followed a two-day public viewing at the Valentino foundation’s Rome headquarters on Wednesday and Thursday. The service marked the final tribute to the internationally acclaimed designer. Celebrities who attended the funeral included designers Tom Ford and Donatella Versace, longtime Vogue magazine powerhouse Anna Wintour and Hollywood stars like Anne Hathaway. Valentino Garavani, who died aged 93 at his Rome residence on Monday, was adored by generations of royals, first ladies and celebrities.
Ruth E. Carter makes Oscar history again with costume designer nomination for 'Sinners'
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Ruth E. Carter has made history with her Oscar nomination for “Sinners,” becoming the most-nominated Black woman in Academy Awards history. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences confirms that Carter, a trailblazing costume designer, passed Viola Davis with her nom for her work on Ryan Coogler’s blues-steeped vampire epic. She previously won Oscars for “Black Panther” in 2018 and “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” in 2023. Carter is now a five-time nominee. She is tied with Spike Lee and Morgan Freeman for the third-most nominations among Black creatives. Carter says her work tells the story of culture and celebrates authenticity.

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